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A viral video showing a paramilitary-style parade in honor of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning its legality and appropriateness.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has joined the growing chorus of voices demanding an investigation into the event. In a statement issued on Sunday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku condemned the parade, describing it as a breach of military traditions and calling for urgent action from security agencies.
Atiku expressed outrage over the footage, which depicts armed individuals in uniform performing military drills and saluting Seyi Tinubu. He emphasized that it is a gross violation for a non-designated public figure to receive such honors, particularly from an unrecognized group.
“The video circulating online, showing armed individuals in full military procession honoring the President’s son, is deeply troubling and unacceptable,” Atiku’s statement read. He also criticized the so-called “Nigeria Cadet Network,” alleging that it is not a legitimate entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Atiku further questioned the group’s authority to bear arms and perform military-like activities, noting that the use of the term “Cadet” by civilians undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s military traditions.
“Instructing legal and military experts to investigate the matter revealed that this group is not legally registered,” the former Vice President stated. “The alarming use of firearms by civilians during this parade highlights the urgent need to address illegal arms proliferation in the country.”
Atiku urged security agencies to:
- Investigate the legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network” and its use of military insignias.
- Determine the legality and source of the firearms displayed.
- Assess the appropriateness of granting military-style honors to a civilian under security protection.
He stressed that preserving the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces is a priority and called for accountability if any laws were violated.
Meanwhile, sources close to the Tinubu family have downplayed the controversy, describing the event as a show of solidarity by a voluntary youth group. An anonymous organizer claimed the parade was a symbolic gesture to appreciate Seyi Tinubu’s influence on young Nigerians, not an official military event.
Political analyst Dr. Amina Yusuf highlighted the sensitivity of power abuse in Nigeria, stating that while the backlash is understandable, it is essential to determine whether the event was an official military engagement or a civilian activity mimicking the military.
As of now, the Nigerian military has not released an official statement, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the legality and implications of the incident.